Automobile manufacturers gave a thumbs-up to the Auto Expo 2014, as the show kicked off on Wednesday in a very business-like manner in a new venue in Greater Noida, a

little far off from New Delhi. Here are the highlights of the launches in Day 1 of Auto Expo 2014:

Ford unveils new Fiesta, Figo Concept

US auto major Ford Motor on Wednesday unveiled its all new mid-sized sedan Fiesta and compact sedan Figo Concept. Ford India executive director, marketing (sales and services) Vinay Pipersania, said the new Fiesta will hit the market later this year. “The 2014 Ford Fiesta takes our strongest global name plate to the next level,” he added. Ford India president Nigel Harris said the Figo

Concept is also targeted at first-time buyers.

Fiat India introduces three cars

Fiat Group Automobiles India on Wednesday unveiled three cars — multi-purpose vehicle Avventura, hatchback Abarth 500 and new version of sedan Linea. “The introduction of the new products in the Indian market is in line with the our long-term strategy, which puts us in a strong position to penetrate into the Indian market,” Nagesh Basavanhalli, president and MD, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Indian operations), said.

Audi’s A3 sedan launch in Q3FY15

Audi unveiled what it calls the “next big Audi” — the A3 sedan — at the Auto Expo 2014. Audi India head Joe King said that the A3 has the potential to be the largest selling luxury car in India. “We will launch the A3 in India in the third quarter of this year,” King said. He said that the A3 will be priced slightly higher than the small luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 series. Audi also showcased the Audi RS 7 Sportback and the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The company also displayed special versions of its SUVs — the Audi Q3, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7.

Renault unveils concept car KWID

Renault made the global launch of its concept car KWID besides introducing new variants of models Fluence and Duster. “This is the first time we have chosen to reveal a concept car outside Europe and this is eloquent sign of our commitment to India,” Gilles Normand, senior VP and chairman Asia Pacific Region, Renault, said. The KWID has been designed with inputs from Renault Design India and is targeted at meeting the needs of young customers, Sumit Sawhney, country CEO & MD, Renault Operations in India, said.